‘Left-footed Doctor’ Lee Beom-sik completes 400km walk… Ends long journey in Gyeongju to pray for the success of APEC
Left-footed Doctor Lee Beom-sik, who set out on a 400km walk to pray for the success of the 2025 APEC Summit and East-West harmony, successfully completed his 22-day journey by arriving at the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO) on the 28th.
The steps of the doctor, who overcame his disability to deliver a message of hope to the nation, deeply moved Gyeongju, the host city of APEC. This long journey began at Mudeungsan Mountain in Gwangju and passed through 10 local governments including Damyang, Sunchang, Haman, Geochang, Hapcheon, Goryeong, Daegu, Gyeongsan, and Yeongcheon, arriving in Gyeongju on this day, leaving a new record called the ‘Miracle of the Left Foot.’
On this day, Gyeongju City held a welcoming ceremony to commemorate the completion of Dr. Lee Beom-sik’s walk at HICO Plaza and expressed its warm welcome. The event was attended by approximately 300 people, including Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young, City Council Speaker Lee Dong-hyeop, the APEC Pan-Provincial Citizens Support Council, the Gyeongju City Disabled Persons Organization Council, and Citizens’ Companion Supporters, who shared a touching moment.
The event began with a powerful performance by the Shilla Choe Band, and was followed by various events such as the presentation of congratulatory wreaths, a welcoming speech, a left foot print, and a performance to wish for the success of APEC, drawing a warm response from the attendees.
Dr. Lee Beom-sik said, “It was not an easy challenge in the sweltering heat and monsoon rain, but I wanted to convey a message of hope that anyone can do it,” and added, “I sincerely thank the citizens of Gyeongju for their warm hospitality. I hope that this small step of mine will lead to the great success of the 2025 Gyeongju APEC Summit.” Mayor Joo Nak-young of Gyeongju said, “Dr. Lee Beom-sik’s challenge was not just a simple race, but a symbolic journey that showed courage and solidarity in overcoming obstacles,” and emphasized, “This challenge is also in line with the journey of hosting APEC, a regional city of Gyeongju that is advancing toward the world.” He added, “Gyeongju City will inherit the doctor’s will and passion and create the most prestigious APEC summit ever to impress the world.”
In particular, citizens voluntarily participated in street cheering during the last section of the race, adding to the emotion. Along with about 80 supporters, city council members including Lee Rak-woo, chairman of the APEC Support Special Committee of Gyeongju City Council, also directly participated in the walking section, completing a meaningful moment of walking together in a challenge that overcame obstacles.
Dr. Lee Beom-sik’s 22-day, 400-km walking journey is expected to be recorded as a meaningful message that symbolizes perseverance and hope in overcoming obstacles, as well as the expectations of the entire nation for the APEC summit, beyond a simple experience.
